Data instead of documents - AUCOTEC AG

At Space Tech Expo Europe 2017 in Bremen, the softwaredeveloper Aucotec will be showing how its Engineering Base (EB) platform can handle increased complexity and time pressure in aerospace projects. The central data model is said to be crucial in order to be able to satisfy the typical top-down principle efficiently - from differently detailed block diagrams and interface control documents (ICDs) to automatically generated graphics and production information in the desired format. Data-centricity is also fundamental for creating the digital twin.

EB's adaptability also makes it easy to use. Every user approach is possible, whether graphically or alphanumerically, as well as every company-specific workflow. EB supports the structured data layout in a top-down manner, which can be specified or changed at any time. The simultaneous, multi-disciplinary work required today becomes as clear as it is secure: not only through early error detection and consistent change management, but also through bi-directional linking to other systems such as ERP or 3-D. All project information is contextually and securely available to everyone involved, including suppliers. The usual designation inconsistencies are a thing of the past.

Data model makes documents smart
"In these times of Industry 4.0, the data must be at the heart of the process, and not the documents anymore," explained Uwe Vogt, Aucotec's Executive Officer for Engineering. According to him, document-oriented work necessitates the implementation of workflows that are illogical to some extent and requires individual disciplines to wait for data transfers, while also involving a complicated back-and-forth process in terms of changes. It means time-consuming, error-prone manual work and the unnecessary "dumbing down" of documents.

With EB, all information, including rules, logic or wiring details, can be accessed or edited at any time from anywhere. Whether in Explorer, a graphic or a list: information is entered only once in the model and appears immediately in all views. Changes - interdisciplinary or in exchange with suppliers - can be traced securely via a specific tracking system.

Knowledge database
An aerospace project is gradually developing through the specifications of the individual disciplines, duplicate entries are eliminated, and everyone relies on the information in the central data model. This creates the "digital twin" of the system, which is the source of information for everyone involved and the basis for visualization and data analysis. Aerospace experts like Airbus Defense and Space or OHB System AG are already using EB.